Newcomer : A Language Learning RPG
- October 31, 2023
- Newcomer Games
Get on Steam"Newcomer: A Language Learning RPG" is a game that offers players the opportunity to learn Spanish, French, or Italian through immersive gameplay. Players communicate with villagers, solve mysteries, and battle enemies using their target language, with support systems to aid in form-meaning connections. As players progress, they unlock new words and phrases to enhance their conversations and language abilities.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a lot of potential for language learning, providing an engaging way to practice vocabulary and common phrases.
- The graphics and atmosphere are charming, making the game enjoyable to play.
- Players appreciate the immersive experience and the ability to learn through combat and interaction with NPCs.
- The game suffers from poor execution, with issues like pagination in the battle interface and a disorganized phrasebook making gameplay tedious.
- There are inconsistencies in language teaching, such as translation mistakes and a lack of grammar instruction, which can hinder learning.
- Many players find the combat boring and repetitive, with too many basic translation battles interrupting the flow of the game.
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as casual and straightforward, primarily revolving around repairing broken portals and completing simple side quests, such as finding lost items or pets. While some players appreciate the lighthearted and non-dramatic narrative, others feel it lacks depth and complexity, with minimal overarching plot. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a central focus.
“I decided to choose French (as I know the least compared to the other available languages). The intro worked well to familiarize me with the general mechanics of the game and set the story in motion.”
“I find the story provides just the right amount of curiosity but isn't too dramatic or overdone.”
“There is no story.”
“Fix broken portals by going and fetching with fights in between... the quests are literally 'I've lost the key to that door', 'I lost my dog'...”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and artistic integration, particularly the nostalgic 8-bit style. However, some users feel that combat sequences could benefit from more intense and exciting music. Additionally, there are technical issues with the music not resuming properly after being muted.
“Great music and art.”
“I like the 8-bit graphics and music.”
“The music doesn't unmute after you mute and remute in the same region.”
“The combat music could be more intense and exciting, especially in Italian, to enhance the challenges of selecting the right articles and words that look similar but have different meanings.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, users appreciate the graphics and atmosphere of the game, particularly enjoying the 8-bit art style and music. However, there are concerns that the art style should not hinder gameplay.
“I love the graphics and atmosphere.”
“I like the 8-bit graphics and music.”
“I'm fine with the art style, but it should not make the game hard to play.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay is still in early access, with limited content available, as the player has only explored the first town. While the introductory mechanics are helpful for understanding the game, the overall experience feels somewhat lacking, particularly in combat, which is described as boring.
“I decided to choose French (as I know the least compared to the other available languages). The intro worked well to familiarize me with the general mechanics of the game and set the story in motion.”
“It's very early access and at 0.4 hours I've only completed the first town and have yet to visit the second, but I doubt the mechanics will be different there.”
“The gameplay just felt a little off to me and I found the combat to be boring.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious due to cumbersome pagination and repetitive dialogue, which detracts from the enjoyment of battles. The necessity to navigate through extensive and difficult-to-read text for basic interactions is seen as a frustrating barrier rather than a meaningful challenge.
“The pagination is making battles very tedious.”
“You have to actually ask what he has on offer... and if you go back to him and forgot the answer, you have to ask again... and you can't just ask, you have to build a phrase, going through pages and pages of gigantic and hard-to-read text... every time... I know it's about learning, but this is not fun, it's tedious.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting the impressive graphics that contribute to an immersive experience.
“I love the graphics and atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you're truly part of the world.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
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